In 2018 our class of '68 presented three college scholarships to HF students.  One of the receipients, Jaira Stanley HF '19, is now an intern at L'Oreal in New York.
Congartulations, Jaira!

Jaira Stanley HF '19

HF '68 Regional Gathering

On June 15, 2021, a regional gathering of Classmates was held in Boulder, Colorado.  Event information from Sally Schneider is below:

Hi to the HF reunion planning committee,
         
            I hope you are all well.  I thought you’d enjoy the attached pics. 
Janet and Phil stayed with me in Boulder after visiting Janet’s daughter in Steamboat. Therefore, it was a good time to gather with HF folks who live along the front range of Colorado (from Lyons, Longmont, Lafayette, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs).
One interesting line of conversation was that many of us said our parents moved to Homewood/Flossmoor for the good school system.
Scott Kirkconnell went to grade school with some of us and now lives outside Boulder. He did not go to HF.
Also attached is a picture of me and Kara Lee Swanson (maiden name). She lives in St. George Utah. Phil McEvoy and I went to a resort there in May.
 
Take care. Hugs, S
 
 

Back Row (L to R): Paul Newman, Phil Pagoria, Janet Reed, Joyce Cheney, Nancy McElroy, Wayne Bromley, Max Hannam Front Row: Don Rawitsch, Scott Kirkconnell, Sally Schneider

Sally & Kara Lee

Attention Class of '68!!

The H-F Alumni Office has been approached by a group in Homewood trying to find and recognize H-F area alumni who served in the armed forces, especially those who served in Vietnam.  They want to create a permanent display to acknowledge all the young men from this area who served.  The group isn't particularly concerned if someone did not serve overseas, just that they served in the armed forces.

Our class of 1968 had quite a few alumni who served in the military during the Vietnam era.  Do you know any of their names?
Please email any information to alumni@hf1968.com with the names you may know of our classmates who served in the armed forces along with their branch of service.

Thank you!
 

Report on presentation of our scholarships at the 2019 H-F Honors Convocation:

HF Honors Convocation- May 22, 2019
 
Prior to our 50 year class reunion, committee chairman Bob Presnak set a goal for our class to collect $6,000 to provide “Pay It Forward” scholarships to current HF seniors. Last Sept over the reunion weekend, our class surpassed that goal collecting a total of $9,000.
John Hart and Bob Presnak interviewed 8 of the 18 students who applied for one of our $3000 scholarships. Based on the results of the interview and with input from Nancy McElroy, three students were selected:
Josie Bachus........Broadcast area of study Jaira Stanley... Fine Arts focus Katie Zalewski...pursuing engineering.
 
On Wed, May 22, Bob Presnak, joined by Chris Julius-Rosolowski and Paul Connery, were present at the HF Honors Convocation as scholarships of $3,000 were presented to 3 current outstanding seniors.

Pictured L to R:   Dr. Jerry Lee Anderson, Principal, Bob Presnak, HF ’68, Josie Bachus,
Jaira Stanley, Katie Zalewski, Chris Julius-Rosolowski, HF ’68, and Paul Connery, HF ‘68

Bob Presnak made a short introduction highlighting our “Pay It Forward” reunion theme that resulted in $9000 in gifts.
 
Following are the interview notes of the 3 finalists:
 
Josie Bachus · Was one of the H-F student volunteers involved with the Western Avenue School’s “Kindness Week” events in 2018. · Won a Golden Lion for video she co-produced “Bright Future.” The Golden Lion is a high school film festival and the Golden Lion the highest award (1stplace). · Won the National Association of TV Arts & Sciences video contest. *This award also honored 4 other H-F students, the first time that 5 winners were selected from one high school. Attended the National student production awards in Los Angeles. This award is given out by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and is equivalent to an Emmy. *Selected after winning the Midwestern Emmy’s Crystal Award in the news category for a short “Why We March” which covered the January 2018 Women’s March in Chicago.* · Plans to attend University of Michigan to study broadcasting
 
Jaira Stanley · Illinois High School Musical Theatre Award Nominee for her portrayal of Velma Kelly in “Chicago.” (2018 production) · Starred as The Witch in the May 2019 production of “Into the Woods.” · Plans to study stage management at UIC.
Kathelyn Zalewski · Girls gymnastics · Honor Roll/AP Scholar · Mu Alpha Theta math honors society member · Member of the 2018 Illinois Viking Unified Basketball Team state championship team · Plans to attend St. Louis University to study environmental engineering.
 
Feedback from committee members:
 

• It was an honor for me to represent our class. Bob P.
• Thanks to all who participated in our class scholarship program - I'm proud to be part of a class of such fine people taking such fine action to pay it forward to today's HF students. What a wonderful way to cap off all your reunion efforts! Janet R. & Phil P.
• I must admit, that when Bob first set his Goal of $6,000 I didn't think we'd ever make it. Instead, my classmates amazed me and you raised $9,000. Sally S.
• Thanks Bob and John for all your hard work selecting the 3 honorees. Sounds like great choices. Chris and Paul great you could join Bob presenting the scholarships. Donna N.
• While all of the candidates were well qualified and deserving of support the 3 who received the scholarships were some of the very top of the group. Jaira was my favorite candidate so I’m glad she made the final cut once Bob and John held interviews. I Enjoyed reading all the essays. It was clear that HF continues to provide excellent training and opportunities to the students. Nancy M.
• Great job Bob!!! It was a pleasure to be a part of this Reunion Committee and the things our class accomplished. John H.
• Glad we made a difference for these kids. Robert F.

 

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Article in the HF Viking Connection magazine about our class scholarships: